Gold Coins of Costa Rica 4 Escudos Gold Coin ND (Decree of December 24, 1841). San Jose Mint.
Obverse: Radiant sun with large face above five mountainsReverse: Tree divides denomination
Note: Countermark on Central American Republic 4 Escudos, KM#16.
Composition: Gold
Fineness: 0.8750
Weight: 13.5000g
AGW: 0.3798oz
The base coin is a Central American Republic 1837-CR-E 4 Escudos. The countermark is a radiant six pointed star and rosette at center all in a 4 mm circle applied at the base of the Ceiba tree.
According to Jorge Murillo, author of "Historia de las Monedas de Costa Rica," due to the introduction of counterfeit ounce and a half ounce gold coins (8 and 4 Escudos) by Julian Fabrega in Leon, Nicaragua, a full investigation was launched. By the decree of December 24, 1841, it was stated that all coins bearing the seal of the Central American Republic and any foreign coins, no matter what size, were to be countermarked. On the silver coinage that was countermarked, a small circular piece was extracted to test the purity and to pay for the work of countermarking.